MORE than 150 people took part in the fourth annual Dartmoor Challenge organised by international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, raising a record £40,000.

Thirty-eight teams of four people navigated a 30-mile course over April 18 and 19 carrying a ShelterBox loaded with everything needed to complete the course and survive an overnight camp on the moor.

Sally Grint, head of fundraising for ShelterBox, said: 'This was the single most successful fundraising event we have put on in ShelterBox's ten year history.'

Teams came from across the country to take part, including teams of family and friends as well as Rotary clubs, schools, colleges, scouts and companies. The challenge also saw a team from Tavistock called Baden's Babes take part, while Tavistockian Seth Whitford competed with his team Boxfish.

The challenge kicked off from Walkhampton Memorial Hall on Saturday morning.

The teams travelled 20 miles on the first day, including climbing King's Tor and Great Mir Tor, before spending the night in a ShelterBox tent.

Day two started at the crack of dawn with the teams heading out in glorious sunshine for the final ten miles of the challenge. They traversed Ringmoor Down and circumnavigated Burrator Reservoir before returning to the start point in Walkhampton.

After a gruelling eight hours 29 minutes, the Crown Crusaders from Bristol and Cardiff came in first, followed by The Flower Pot Men from Truro College and in third place were Exeter's Team Stride in 9 hours 11 minutes.

Each team was aiming to raise £1,000 — enough to fund two ShelterBoxes. Each ShelterBox contains a ten-person tent, blankets, water purification and cooking equipment, basic tools, a stove and other essential equipment needed by people affected by disaster.

ShelterBox founder Tom Henderson said this year's challenge had proved an outstanding success.

He said: 'There was a fantastic atmosphere and great camaraderie and on top of that we raised a terrific sum of money. Many thanks to everyone who gave up their weekend to help make this so successful.' 

Prizes were given to the winning teams, provided by Vango, the manufacturer of all ShelterBox tents.